The Maple Leafs forward — at least on paper — took to social media on Wednesday to address comments he made earlier this week on Instagram.

Several days ago, Lupul called out the Leafs, taking issue with general manager Lou Lamoriello’s assertion that Lupul had failed his physical on the first day of training camp.

Responding to a fan, Lupul said “Haha failed physical? They (the Leafs) cheat, everyone lets them.”

He added that he was “ready” and just awaiting a call.

Lupul’s frustration with not having played since Feb. 6, 2016 — he had sports hernia surgery not long after — boiled over. He has one year remaining on his contract, which represents a $5.25-million US cap hit for the Leafs this season.

On Wednesday, Lupul, who turns 34 on Saturday, addressed on Twitter his posts from earlier this week, which he had deleted. The tweet was his first since June 2016.

“I responded earlier this week to some negative comments on Instagram,” Lupul wrote. “It was an inappropriate response, and I deleted it, but I take full responsibility. It’s been extremely tough not being able to play over the past 1.5 years. I will not be seeking a second opinion, but I hope one day to be able to get back on the ice. I apologize to the media, fans, Leafs organization, and most of all my teammates for this unneeded distraction.”